Tag: fun

Hello

With every blog post I publish, I aim to challenge you to take a moment to think about things a little deeper.

This blog post is no different.

This blog is about bucket lists.

Bucket lists contain things you wish to achieve before you die. Sorry for sounding morbid, but sooner or later, we will all die so it’s important to live your life to the full…

If you haven’t already, I encourage you to create a bucket list. They are great because they allow you to dream crazy dreams and give you something to look forward to as you grow older. I have seen a lot of adventurous bucket lists out there which consist of things like:

scuba dive the great barrier reef

go bungee jumping

become a millionaire by the time I’m 30

solve a rubix- cube

meet Mike Tyson!

I think these things are exciting because they make us feel alive. However, I have noticed that a lot of bucket lists are about making ourselves feel good.

There is nothing wrong with this at all, however, I have a suggestion to make.

Can I invite you to write an additional bucket list? One that benefits others?

For example, before I die I would like to:

fund a child’s education

invite lonely people to my home

randomly pay for someone’s food shopping at the supermarket

take someone on a shopping spree

make time for an older family member

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Think about it. Some of the most inspirational people in history are those who make the wellbeing of others a priority. I encourage you today to start putting a list together and to start working on it straight away.

If you feel comfortable, please leave a comment below listing one thing you would add to your new bucket list.

Last month I said that I’d be challenging myself to achieve some “out-there” goals. It’s all good and well saying this but how am I meant to do it? Well firstly, I need to enlarge my capacity by being exposed to more and being willing to go beyond what is normal to me as often as I can.

Last week, I got a call from a friend who lives in the Midlands and he invited me to an event in Manchester where a certain Deputy Prime Minister would be a keynote speaker and would also take questions from the audience. My instant reaction was “I’d love to go to something like that as it’d be an interesting experience, plus there are a few questions I’d like answered”. But then I began making excuses such as ” I have to go to work and it’s too short notice…my boss may not allow it”, “it’s expensive going all the way to Manchester from London especially as I’d be booking my ticket a few days before travelling” , “oh and what if I say something stupid?”

There I was again, holding myself back with the most pathetic excuses. I was scared of doing something different. Then I remembered that this year I vowed that I would dream big and go the extra mile. I quickly realised that in order to keep that vow, I’d need to veer away from doing the ordinary and take opportunities whenever they arose.

I requested time off of work- got it. Booked my ticket to Manchester – found excellent deals.

Then I got a little carried away and thought hey, why not make a weekend of it? While I’m at it, I may as well visit some friends and not do “life as usual”. So here is how I did it.

Destination 1: Manchester

I went to a science museum to explore the contribution Manchester has made to the world of science.

Museum of Science and Industry – Manchester

Then watched a film during the day at a random cinema alone (which I’ve never done before) and chatted to some locals.

Cinema Trip – the 12:45 Showing

I rounded off the day by attending the Q&A session with The Rt Honourable Nick Clegg. Very interesting indeed.

An Evening with Nick Clegg

Destination 2: Nottingham

I spent the night in Nottingham with some friends and in the morning the 5 of us headed to destination number 3.

Destination 3: Kettering

We arrived in Kettering early in the morning, met with another friend and had a real country breakfast at a local public house. The decor was beautiful as well as homely. All the ingredients were fresh and tasted absolutely amazing. Again, I’ve never had a countryside breakfast and if you haven’t, I recommend that you do.

After breakfast we headed to “Bugtopia” where I was to conquer one of my biggest fears- being around animals. I was expecting to be looking at bugs in boxes but no, it was far worse.

When I walked into the cabin I saw a massive snake, iguanas, scorpions, a giant rat, and of course some bugs. It gets worse.

Not only did I have to sit in a room with these animals but I was encouraged to HOLD them! One of the insects started flying around the room and two lizards almost got into a fight! Although I personally did not hold any of the animals, I did stroke the yellow lizard and I was proud of myself for doing that as I normally cannot sit amongst strange animals let alone touch one.

After my frightful experience, we headed to the prestigious Kettering Tea Room. It was surrounded by beautiful countryside and the decor had that warm country feel. I ordered the special hot chocolate with a raspberry and almond scone! It tasted EXCEPTIONAL!!!!

Return Journey: Home

I had one more opportunity to do something different so I booked myself a seat in First Class. I normally sit in the standard seats but wanted to see what all the hype was about “First Class”. I have to admit, it’s a lot more spacious and the seats are nicely cushioned which makes the journey more comfortable.

First class

So that’s my spontaneous weekend! I had a great time going with the flow and going beyond what I find comfortable. When you next get an opportunity to do something different, grab hold of it and make the most of it!

Hello,

Here I am again, blogging!

As you know, I blog about things that inspire me, with the hope that you too will be inspired. One of my biggest inspirations are children. They are inquisitive, carefree and know how to have a good time!

I’ve decided to revisit one of my childhood hobbies… rollerskating!

When I first put my skates on I almost fell over in the living room! Thank God for my sister Helen, who kindly helped me to my feet. Once I finally got outside I was a little rusty but after a few minutes I was flying down the road with a huge smile on my face!!!

Here are some pictures of my sister and I enjoying ourselves.

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My challenge to you: re-engage in an activity you took part in as a child but stopped because you got old and boring. I dare you.